10 winter weekend getaways in the USA
Spending cold winter months by the fireplace cuddling with a good book sounds cozy and very relaxing. And while we love doing just that, there are sooo many adventures to have, places to visit and things to do.
From east to west coast, the USA offers amazing destinations to choose from for your next journey this winter season. Check out our choices and start planning your next pin. Â
New York City
New York City is one of our favorite destinations! We’ve been to NYC many times, but winter in the city is magical with all the sparkle of Christmas lights, an unparalleled New Year’s Eve celebration, the iconic Rockefeller Center ice skating, snowy carriage rides through Central Park, lavish shop window displays – visiting New York City in the winter is like a real-life Christmas movie.
Park City, Utah
Ever since Jelena moved to the USA, Park City, Utah has become an annual winter destination.
Utah is home to some first-class ski resorts. A 35-minute ride from the Salt Lake International Airport will take you to Park City and two of the country’s top ski areas: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. In fact, Deer Valley was rated the number one North American ski resort for several years in a row; second place in 2021 rankings.
Utah is famous for powder skiing, and its signature slogan, The Greatest Snow on Earth. The slopes cater to all levels of skiers alongside of great ski schools, perfect for newbies and old pros.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is magical in the winter with fresh snow glitters on the trees. Aspen is all about the four ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass, and expansive terrain to explore on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The four resorts provide incredible options for all ski levels. Combine this with the amazing dining, entertainment, and apres-ski venues for the best of ski and winter vacations. And the natural beauty of surrounding panorama makes Aspen a Crown Jewel of the world!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is one of the must destinations for experienced, advanced skiers reputed to be one of the most challenging ski areas in North America. According to Forbes, the best skiers say that Jackson Hole is the only place in the world that still gives them butterflies. But recently the ski schools have doubled down on its efforts to put first-time skiers at ease with their brand-new beginners’ hub. There are also ton of other activities to do: national elk refuge sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hiking and more.
Mammoth, California
This California spot is perfect for great adventurers looking for an adrenaline rush with activities like ice climbing and cross-country skiing. But there are many low-key options such as scenic gondola rides to take in all the views and explore all the fun at the top, skip the hiking and experience tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park, ice skating, snowboarding or snowmobile adventures.
Mammoth is also a great place to shop. Premium brands, local boutiques and top-rated ski, snowboard and outdoor retail shops combine to bring unique character to the shopping scene.
There’s something for everyone here. Â
Lake Tahoe, California
Aspen or Lake Tahoe is an age-old debate among skiers and outdoor lovers. Ultimately, they are both amazing destinations. Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities. A unique thing to do is cross the Nevada-California state line (ski in California during the day, followed by a night out in Nevada).
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder offers diverse activities and much more than skiing. The city is located about 35 minutes from the nearest ski resort. It offers free guided nature hikes where you can discover winter birds, snowflakes, and animal tracks in the snow, sledding, ice climbing, and more. Winter in Boulder is surprising. On snowy days, coffee shops and breweries are the perfect refuge. It’s a perfect winter wonderland!
If you are lucky enough to be in the area in February or March (check the exact dates!), you won’t want to miss the Boulder International Film Festival. Films and filmmakers from around the world come to Boulder for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema.
Leavenworth, Washington
If you want European vibes in the USA (like us!), this Bavarian-styled village of Leavenworth is the place. This small town is 117 miles east from Seattle (approximately 2.5 hours pending road conditions). Located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state, with Alpine-style buildings and restaurants, the city offers German beer and food that will transport you to Bavaria!
Offering an abundance of activities from wine tasting to live entertainment to reindeer visits to snow mobiling, Leavenworth makes for the ultimate winter holiday destination without having to get on a plane across the Atlantic. Also, the nearby lake of Wenatchee is an ideal spot for a cozy cabin getaway where you can bird watch.
Charleston, South Carolina
While Charleston may be small, the city is shining with big southern charm, culture, history, and delicious food. Charleston has been voted by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler as their favorite city in the United States for years. This year comes at a second place, while Aspen is taking the top spot.
San Diego, California
If you are not into the snow, head to Southern California and visit San Diego. The city is self-proclaimed as America’s Finest City. It offers lots of activities, sights, and stunning scenery. And then there is the weather with an average winter temperature of 66F/19C. While some San Diego activities are great year-round, such as visiting Sunset Cliffs, enjoying Mexican food and margaritas, there are some that you can only do in the winter such as going to December Nights at Balboa Park, or spotting gray whales off San Diego’s coast as they migrate north. Also, check out the world’s most beloved zoo, The San Diego Zoo, and take in the culture at the endless array of museums around Balboa Park.
What is your favourite winter destination in the USA? Let us know in the comments section.Â
